Two Polk County Sheriff's deputies received
letters today from the Office of the State Attorney, Tenth Judicial
Circuit, in reference to two deputy-involved shootings that occurred
last month. In both cases, the SAO has ruled that both shootings were
justified.

The first incident
occurred on January 24, 2005, and involved the use of force against
fleeing felon Wesley Caruthers. Deputy Sheriff Shawnee Macawley was
found justified in using force while attempting to apprehend Caruthers.
Caruthers remains in the Polk County Jail on charges of violating
federal probation charges, and for bank robbery.

The second incident occurred on January 26,
2005, and involved the use of force by Deputy Sheriff Joe Murphy while
he was trying to prevent Morgan Langston from harming himself. Mr.
Langston had barricaded himself in a room, armed with a handgun and
threatening to commit suicide. Mr. Langston then pointed the gun at
deputies on the scene, resulting in D/S Murphy's use of force. Mr.
Langston has been treated for his depression and injuries and is
recovering.